Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is an iconic public landmark, and recreational treasure that has played a role in the lives of Utah Valley residents for generations. In the not-so-recent past, the falls were the second most visited site in Utah, behind Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Conserve Utah Valley would like to see the area designated as a state monument, which would provide additional resources for maintaining the area and providing public amenities.
Recent efforts to privately develop Bridal Veil Falls threatened to detract from its beauty and make parts of the falls only accessible to a select few.
Thanks to overwhelming public opposition and the quick actions of the Utah County Commission, future development of the property around the falls was restricted through a conservation easement written by Utah Open Lands.
On January 6, 2021, the developer who wanted to purchase the falls filed a lawsuit to have the conservation easement nullified due to alleged procedural errors. However, as of January 26, 2021, he has withdrawn the lawsuit, leaving the conservation easement intact.
Throughout 2021, the State Legislature requested a study be completed by the State Division of Parks to assess the option of designating Bridal Veil Falls a State Park or State Monument. CUV helped gather public input as part of this process.
We believe the decision about future designation will be made during the 2022 General Session of the State Legislature.
Photo by Riley Nelson
Recreation Amendments–HB 32
IMPORTANT! Representative Keven Stratton of Orem has introduced H.B. 32, Provo Canyon Resource Management Plan that would allow for the creation of a comprehensive recreation management plan for Provo Canyon. Provo Canyon holds some of our favorite trails and landmarks (have we talked about how much we love Bridal Veil Falls before?). The Resource Management Plan will engage the public and will prepare Provo Canyon for the increased use that is expected over the coming years. We have worked with Representative Stratton on this much needed bill. We need you, our supporters, to express your support for Representative Stratton’s H.B. 32 to members of the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee in two ways: First: show up to the committee meeting on Tuesday, February 21st at 4 pm in room 30 of the House Building to voice your support for planning for our canyons. If you can’t make it to the Capitol, attend virtually! There will be a link to join the meeting on Zoom on...
Write A Letter: Bridal Veil Falls should remain free to the public
Take Action: Write a letter to your state representatives (sample linked below) Background: Conserve Utah Valley has been focused on helping gather public input and participate in dialogue with city, county and state elected officials on the future of Bridal Veil Falls. In November 2021, we spoke to the Utah House of Representatives Interim Committee of Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment about our involvement in the preservation of Bridal Veil Falls. We appreciated the invitation from Rep. Kevin Stratton, and the work that the State Division of Parks has dedicated to determining a recommendation for the future of the Bridal Veil Falls Area. Conserve Utah Valley supports the legislature looking for a designation that allows the public to access it without a fee. Who You Should Write: It’s important to write to as many reps and senators as you can. While several items are local, all reps and senators will be voting on bills so they need to hear from many people. Start...
Public Input
CUV needs your voice to help guide the long-term plans for Bridal Veil Falls. While it is protected by a conservation easement, there are still questions for the future of the area. A group has been tasked by the State of Utah to do a study of the Falls area and get public input – hopes and wishes for what the area should include. Options include making it a state monument or park. Below is a link to participate in the survey. The survey is the start of the Public Engagement effort which is critical and why you need to act now. Please share it with anyone you know who is interested in Bridal Veil Falls. Do not delay, THIS SURVEY WILL CLOSE OCT. 4, 2021! Please send the link/QR code to others you know who love Bridal Veil Falls – put it on your social media accounts, email it to friends and neighbors, etc.
Bridal Veil Falls Update
The Utah State Parks Department is completing a short feasibility study of Bridal Veil Falls and will report back to the legislature this fall with a report evaluating whether it should be a state park or a state monument.